LPG and CNG cars in demand!

The Dieselgate emissions cheating scandal is taking its toll, plus public environmental consciousness is improving, driving popularity of LPG- and CNG-powered cars in Germany. Their market share has grown considerably.

Aside from generating lower fuel bills, cars running on gaseous fuels (LPG autogas and CNG – compressed methane) spew out remarkably lower amounts of pollutants, especially nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, but also carbon dioxide. Specifically, CNG-powered cars emit by 18% less CO2 than their counterparts fueled with petrol and as far as NOX are concerned, gaseous vehicles cut emissions by as much as 90% compared to diesels.

According to data collected and processed by the KBA (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, the Federal Road Transport Office), in the first nine months of 2017 registrations of CNG- and LPG-powered cars in Germany were 1663 and 2946, respectively. While the numbers may fail to impress in their own right, they become meaningful compared to 2016 figures – over the same period, autogas car sales grew by 42,6%. Unfortunately, sales of methane vehicles plunged by 23,3%.

As observed by Meinauto.de, gas-powered cars have been enjoying a six-fold hike in buyers' interest after vast discounts for motorists who ditch their old diesels were announced. Combined, CNG- and LPG-powered cars now enjoy a market share of 3,6% in Germany. We hope that's just a start.